From sparkling pantos to heartwarming plays and from Christmassy comedy shows to brilliant dance performances, live theatre is one of the best ways to tap into the spirit of the festive season. This year, the stages of Vancouver and beyond are bursting with a full playbill of amazing options––and now is the time to book your tickets.

 

But what are those options? While researching our 2025 Vancouver Christmas Guide––we’re now in our ninth year––we discovered a huge variety of local shows to consider. Read on for some of our favourites, and keep your eye on the Shows section of our site for more––plus lots of chances to win free tickets!

 

Perfect pantos

 

A much-loved holiday tradition for many locals, the Cultch’s East Van Panto is back for its 13th edition this year. On stage at their York Theatre venue on Commercial Drive, the 2025 show is West Van Story, a richly entertaining version of the West Side Story/Romeo and Juliet tale. And, as ever, it’s a whip-smart fusion of songs, kid-friendly giggles and satirical belly laughs for adults.

 

And for a traditional, Brit-style panto that’s jam-packed with jokes, songs and colourful costumes––plus plenty of chances to boo the baddies and cheer the heroes––South Vancouver’s ever-friendly Metro Theatre is staging a sparkling version of Jack & the Beanstalk this year. Last season's Metro panto was a runaway hit, so be sure to book ahead for their 2025 show.

 

Austen versus Dickens

 

The Metro is also staging the delightful Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley from November 7 to November 29, which means it's the perfect way to get an early start on your holiday celebrations. A clever and witty sequel to Pride and Prejudice, it follows the trails and tribulations of Mary, a lesser-known Bennet sister.

 

And it's not the only intriguing literary adaption on stage this year. The ubiquitous Scrooge often treads the boards during the holidays, of course, but this year a different Charles Dickens story is in the spotlight. United Players of Vancouver is presenting The Cricket on the Hearth, bringing an alternative but equally entertaining Dickens Christmas tale to local audiences.

  

Movie and musicals

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Some stage shows are also well known as movies. But since the popular film version of Annie was created after the production had already been a Broadway hit, it's the stage version that everyone needs to see. And this year, you're in luck: Richmond’s brilliant Gateway Theatre is pulling out all the stops with a rip-roaring Annie that's filled to bursting with familiar songs and show-stopping numbers. 

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Speaking of movies, It's a Wonderful Life may well be the most popular holiday movie of all time. And this year, you can catch a delightful musical version presented by Theatre in the Country. It's  a Wonderful Life: The Musical includes lots of toe-tapping tunes as well as the option to add dinner to your theatre experience. And while a flaming bowl of rum punch may not be on the menu––Clarence's favourite tipple in the movie––their popular Fine Wine Fridays are often the hottest tickets in the run.

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If you wan't to exercise your own vocal chords, bring your friends and family to Presentation House Theatre’s Bright: A Holiday Singalong Concert where you’ll be provided with song sheets so you can belt out all your fave festive tunes. You'll have to stay in your seat for Lamondance's A Winter’s Twist, though. This unique, energetic and festive-flavoured dance version of Romeo and Juliet is perfect for audiences of all ages.

 

That's also the case at downtown's Vancouver Playhouse Theatre, which is hosting the annual Arts Umbrella Dance Company performances of Mixed Nuts, a unique and hugely entertaining take on The Nutcracker. Speaking of which, Goh Ballet is also back on stage this year with their utterly spectacular version of the Nutcracker. A must-see blockbuster for festive fans of all ages, this sumptuous show is one of the hottest holiday tickets in town––book early since there are only five shows.

 

Craving more twinkle-toed action? The Richmond Academy of Dance will also be back this year with the 26th annual edition of its utterly charming Dance into Christmas show––don't miss it! And celebrating their 15th anniversary this year, Coastal City Ballet will also bring their delightful production of The Fairy Doll to stages in Vancouver and Surrey.

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Yuletide yuks

 

Local comedy fans have plenty of reasons to laugh out loud at this time of year. Granville Island’s Improv Centre will be staging a brand new festive-themed show for 2025. Entitled 'Tis the Sitcom, the show features a group of friends living together in the big city who find themselves having to navigate a tinsel-covered array of holiday season issues...including commercial breaks, festive TV moments and, of course, plenty of laughter. Over on Main Street, Tightrope Impro Theatre will be presenting two shows this holiday season: Love Unexpected and Naughty vs. Nice––why not catch both?! Audience participation is encouraged at both of these improv-driven venues.

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If you prefer to sit back and let others generate the laughs, B.C.-based comedy due James & Jamesy are performing on stages around the region this year. Their charming O Christmas Tea show is a comedic masterwork of whimsical storytelling, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that fans of Monty Python and Mr Bean will thoroughly enjoy.

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For more information on festive events, attractions and shows in the city and beyond, visit the Vancouver Christmas Guide. Written by Lonely Planet travel writer John Lee, it’s the best online guide to the area’s 2025 holiday happenings. The site was co-created with Christmas Cat Max, who pens its gift reviews and often appears on its Instagram and Bluesky feeds.

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